9908: HIGHLAND ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK
This 1999 nomination of Highland Archaeology Week 1999 is by Highland Council. In 1994 the Government introduced National Planning Policy Guidance on Archaeology and Planning (NPPG5), which makes it clear that archaeology is a material consideration in the Development Control process. Archaeological remains are a finite, non-renewable resource and as such should be preserved wherever possible within the planning process. The NPPG accepts that in some cases this may not be practicable: if so, it is acceptable for a planning authority to require an applicant to excavate and record the remains prior to their destruction. These Planning guidelines were formally adopted by the then Highland Regional Council shortly after they were issued, in recognition of the contribution that archaeology can make to the area's environmental quality as well as its social and economic development. In fact the now Highland Council has as one of its ten Strategic Goals and Values: To promote and support the indigenous heritage and cultures of the Highlands and to recognise the importance of heritage and culture in underpinning and strengthening our place in the contemporary world. The Highland Council's Archaeology Unit is located within the Planning and Development Service's Environment section, which handles a wide range of specialist subjects including archaeology, conservation, access, landscape architecture, listed buildings, forestry, footpaths, and the countryside rangers. It works closely with the Development and Building Control section across the Council's eight Areas, providing advice and information on all planning applications submitted within 40% of mainland Scotland. There has been a huge increase in the level of development-led archaeological work since the introduction of NPPG5. Highland Archaeology Week began in 1994 to provide feedback to local communities on the results of this activity, and to raise awareness of archaeology in general. For this reason, developers are required to ensure that the results of any archaeological work are presented to the local community. Highland Archaeology Week provides an opportunity for them to meet this requirement. It also contributes to another of the Highland Council's strategic goals: To encourage and help provide opportunities for people to participate in the life, development and care of their communities. Archaeology can and should include everyone. It is about ourselves and our whole environment, and helps to define the Highland identity - past and future. Protection and promotion of archaeology go hand in hand. Development Control protects and retains the resource; Highland Archaeology Week makes use of this resource to enable communities to participate in and benefit from their heritage. It is not just for boffins! Since 1994, the event has grown from an initial 20 events into a unique, pan-Highland, community festival, celebrating archaeology and heritage. Wherever possible events and activities are free of charge to encourage social inclusion and community participation. Partnership is a key feature, with a wide range of individuals and organisations at both local and national levels contributing and/or sponsoring events. Contributors have ranged from archaeological units working on development projects to local historical societies and museum trusts. This year, sponsors have included Vodafone, Historic Scotland, the Forestry Commission and local firms such as White's Electronics and Duncan Chisholm Kiltmakers. Partnership and sponsorship have made it possible to improve publicity. This year, a poster campaign was undertaken well in advance of the event, followed by wide circulation of programmes. Details were also advertised on the Archaeology Unit's web site, which is linked to the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board and other sites. This led to features on local and national radio and articles in the press including the Scotrail magazine. The sixth Highland Archaeology Week, in 1999, has been the most successful yet. 126 events took place, of which 27% were wheelchair accessible; 10% were especially for children - almost all others were also suitable for children. It included a mini film festival, "Celtic Clarions" - a unique concert featuring reconstructed prehistoric trumpets, and a weekend seminar presenting recent archaeological work in the area to the public, attended by over 200 people. In fact, overall attendance at events has been higher than ever this year. Development Control can sometimes be perceived by the public as a negative process. Highland Archaeology Week has demonstrated that this process can in fact lead to direct, unexpected community benefits.
The judges asked for a presentation on this nomination. They found it extremely instructive. Grounded firmly in National Planning Policy Guideline 5, Highland Council's approach provides feedback to local communities on the results of development-led archaeological work and what began as a useful annual concentration of archaeological presentations has now grown into a multi-faceted attraction of real tourist interest. Development control information is being used productively in a way that engages people's enthusiasm, developers are able to gain what they see as valuable local goodwill, and the resources of the area have been more effectively conserved and related to everyday life. From what some might have regarded as a peripheral and academic aspect of mainstream development control work, strong staff commitment has developed an inspiring and intensely inclusive approach with negligible special expenditure. This has lessons for other parts of Scotland and indeed other aspects of the service. The judges wholeheartedly recommend the Highland Archaeology Week for a 1999 Award in the development control category.